Larian Aims for More Subtlety in Companion Interactions Post-Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios, known for its work on Baldur’s Gate 3 and the upcoming Divinity title, is currently hosting a Reddit AMA where they’re diving into various topics, including their notable use of generative AI and the unlikely prospect of a Switch 2 port for Baldur’s Gate 3. They’re also reflecting on lessons learned over their 30-year journey, with a key takeaway from BG3 being that companions should gradually express their romantic interests rather than declaring their love too quickly.
In the AMA, senior writer Kevin VanOrd addressed a question about potential improvements, offering two promising insights: enhancing the depth of relationships between companions and introducing a more gradual approach to romantic developments compared to previous titles.
“Companion relationships,” he noted. “Firstly, we want to foster more interaction among companions—not just through improved banter, but by allowing them to form deeper connections with each other, similar to how they interact with players. Secondly, we aim to develop player friendships and romances in a more subtle manner, making relationship building feel organic.”
Setting aside the romantic angle for a moment, VanOrd’s distinction between deeper companion relationships and mere banter is crucial. While replaying Dragon Age: The Veilguard, it’s evident that BioWare excelled at showcasing the party’s internal dynamics, with characters forming their own relationships independent of the player’s influence. Some of these interactions lead to romance, while others strengthen platonic bonds through shared interests that extend beyond the usual dialogue.
I recently came across an early cutscene featuring detective Neve and elven archaeologist Bellara bonding over their mutual love for detective stories. Baldur’s Gate 3 could certainly benefit from more moments like this to alleviate the sense that party members are isolated from one another. Shadowheart and Lae’zel exemplified this better than most pairings in BG3, as their initial rivalry evolved into mutual respect, proving that Larian has the capability to create these connections.
As for the rapid romantic advances, players who found Gale or Halsin too forward in Baldur’s Gate 3 will likely appreciate Larian’s intention to address this in Divinity. The studio has acknowledged that the characters’ swift declarations of love were initially a glitch in the game’s approval system, and despite a patch, the perception of BG3 as a game with a rather “horny” cast persists. With its high-production sex scenes, the RPG has certainly made a name for itself in the mainstream “horny” game category, so it’s reassuring to see Larian aware of the feedback and eager to improve in future titles.
